1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 15 Plus, focusing on the practical implications of their specifications:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | iPhone 15 Plus is larger, harder to use one-handed for some. |
| Weight | 189g | 201g | iPhone 12 Pro is slightly lighter and easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | iPhone 15 Plus provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1290 x 2796 | iPhone 15 Plus has a sharper image, though the difference is subtle at this pixel density. |
| PPI | 460 | 460 | Similar sharpness on both screens. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Plus is significantly more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard refresh rates, no difference in smoothness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | iPhone 15 Plus offers faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15 Plus has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) | iPhone 15 Plus has better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and video editing. |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB | Both are suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" sensor | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/1.5" sensor | iPhone 15 Plus captures more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. The larger sensor improves low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.0 | No | iPhone 12 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, useful for portraits and distant subjects. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.4 (Wide Angle + Macro) | iPhone 12 Pro has a dedicated ultrawide lens. iPhone 15 Plus combines ultrawide with macro capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/1.9 | iPhone 15 Plus selfies will be slightly brighter in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 127 | 145 | iPhone 15 Plus has significantly better camera performance overall, especially in video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2815 mAh | 4383 mAh | iPhone 15 Plus offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Both support similar fast charging speeds. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | Similar wireless charging capabilities |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 | iOS 17 | iPhone 15 Plus has the latest iOS version with updated features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | iPhone 15 Plus has a newer Bluetooth version for improved efficiency and compatibility. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | iPhone 12 Pro supports more satellite systems, potentially offering slightly better location accuracy in challenging environments. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Dedicated Telephoto and Ultrawide Lens: Offers more versatile camera options for zoom and wide-angle shots.
- Slightly Lighter and Smaller: Easier to handle and carry for some users.
- Beidou Support: Better location accuracy in regions where Beidou is prevalent.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:
- Larger and Brighter Display: More immersive viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Better Battery Life: Lasts much longer on a single charge.
- Faster Processor and GPU: Smoother performance in demanding tasks and games.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures more detailed photos.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Enhanced connectivity and efficiency.
- Modern Features: Cinematic Mode, Noise reduction, Face unlock, Pro Video Mode, Dual PDAF
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone 12 Pro trades battery life and processing power for a smaller size and a dedicated telephoto lens.
- The iPhone 15 Plus sacrifices some portability for a larger screen and longer battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal iPhone 12 Pro User:
- Photographers who value a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Users who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone.
- Those who need precise location tracking in areas with Beidou coverage.
Use Cases for iPhone 12 Pro:
- Professional photography where optical zoom is essential.
- Users who want a compact phone for one-handed use.
- Navigation in areas where Beidou satellite coverage is beneficial.
Ideal iPhone 15 Plus User:
- Media consumers who enjoy watching videos and playing games on their phone.
- Users who prioritize long battery life.
- Those who want the latest iPhone features and performance.
Use Cases for iPhone 15 Plus:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Gaming for extended periods without needing to charge.
- Everyday use where long battery life is crucial.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The iPhone 15 Plus generally offers a better price-to-value ratio due to its newer technology, longer battery life, and superior camera. However, if a telephoto lens and smaller size are paramount, the older iPhone 12 Pro may still hold value.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help buyers decide:
- How important is battery life? If you need all-day battery without needing to charge, the iPhone 15 Plus is the clear choice.
- Do you prefer a smaller, more compact phone or a larger screen for media consumption? The iPhone 12 Pro is smaller and more pocketable, while the iPhone 15 Plus offers a more immersive viewing experience.
- Is a dedicated telephoto lens essential for your photography needs? If you frequently use optical zoom, the iPhone 12 Pro has a distinct advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Travel Photographer: iPhone 12 Pro (for the telephoto lens and potentially better GPS).
- Streaming Enthusiast: iPhone 15 Plus (for the larger screen and longer battery life).
- Everyday User: iPhone 15 Plus (for the balance of performance, battery, and camera).
- Budget-Conscious User: iPhone 12 Pro (if available at a significantly lower price).
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 15 Plus.
Here's why:
- Battery Life: The significantly longer battery life is a major advantage for my daily usage. I hate having to worry about my phone dying during the day.
- Screen Size: I enjoy watching videos and playing games on my phone, so the larger screen is a big plus.
- Performance: While the iPhone 12 Pro is still a capable phone, the faster processor in the iPhone 15 Plus will ensure a smoother experience for years to come.
- Camera: The main camera improvements are very noticeable, and the pictures will come out much better on the iPhone 15 Plus.
While I appreciate the telephoto lens on the iPhone 12 Pro, the advantages of the iPhone 15 Plus outweigh this for my specific needs. The increased battery capacity, larger and brighter display, and enhanced performance make it a more compelling option.
